Anand Sharma meets leading Western firms’ executives

Davos, Jan 23: India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma Wednesday met senior executives of leading firms, including BAE Systems chairman Richard Olver and Royal Philips Electronics president Frans A. van Houten, as part of an effort to woo overseas investments into the country.

During the meeting, the head of Royal Philips Electronics “expressed interest in manufacturing facility in India along with concern for local sourcing requirement for LED,” according to a statement released by the commerce and industry ministry.

BAE Systems chairman showed interest in forging new ties with Indian public sector firms in the defence sector.

Sharma also met John Nelson, chief executive officer of the British insurance firm Lloyd’s, and Petra Laux, head of global public and government affairs, Novartis.

Sharma is a part of the Indian delegation attending the World Economic Forum 2013 here. The delegation is being led by Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath.

The WEF has over the years emerged as a global platform for the corporate and economic leaders from across the world.

“We view this as an opportunity to showcase the opportunities in India and position India as an attractive investment destination,” Sharma, who also holds textiles portfolio, had said in a statement last week.